Parameters of the Accelerated Aging Test for the Determination of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Seed Vigor

Vigor tests are very important to obtain additional information to the standard germination test and can assist in decision-making. The aim of this work was to evaluate accelerated aging test methodologies for the determination of vigor in tobacco seeds. For the study, ten seed lots of tobacco were used. The initial quality of the tobacco seeds was determined through the germination test, first count of germination, germination speed index, seedling emergence at 7, 14 and 21 days after sowing, emergence speed index and the accelerated aging with water performed as proposed by the Association of Official Seed Analysts. After the determination of seed initial quality, the accelerated aging test was studied in the following methods- accelerated aging with water, saturated saline solution (40g NaCl 100mL-1 water) and unsaturated saline solution (11g NaCl 100mL-1 water), submitted to the temperatures of 45 and 41°C, for the exposure periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours. According to the results obtained, the accelerated aging test with water conducted under a temperature of 45°C combined with a 24-hour exposure period is shown as adequate for evaluating the vigor of tobacco seeds.